Status Morley's Final Catalogue: Perhaps frequent enough, but records are sparse, and it is uncommon about Ipswich. Gorleston (D, Mr).
Recent Suffolk Status: Common.
Life history: Double-brooded. The second brood is larger than the first brood. Commonly seen at light in small numbers and also at dusk feeding at Campion flowers. Larvae are regularly found in Suffolk by checking seed heads of Campions, which if occupied by them have a small hole in the side from which frass is ejected. Once larger, they can be found just after dusk feeding on the seeds with just the head end in the capsule.
Identification: The similar Campion is purple tinged and has the kidney mark and oval spot joined - these are separate on Lychnis. Tawny shears is smaller and normally paler.
Habitat: Woodland, hedgerows, gardens, road verges.Recorded in 52 (90%) of 58 10k Squares. First Recorded in 1940. Last Recorded in 2024. Additional Stats |